Sharks’ Thomas Bordeleau Could Be on Outside Looking In – The Hockey Writers – San Jose Sharks

As the San Jose Sharks continue their preparations for the 2024-25 NHL season, one task they must accomplish is determining who will make their opening night roster. This decision is months away, but when it happens, it will have an impact on every player regardless of whether or not they earn a spot on the team. But perhaps no one will be more greatly affected than forward Thomas Bordeleau. San Jose’s 2020 second-round pick is entering his age-23 season, and the Sharks’ increasingly strong prospect pool has pushed him down the depth chart. His future with the team is at a crossroads, and he might not be in their future plans, particularly if he doesn’t start the year in the NHL. One way or another, the Sharks will have to make a difficult choice about a player who was once among their top prospects.

Sharks’ Forward Prospects Hurting Bordeleau’s Chances

Through no fault of their own, many of the elite forward prospects whom the Sharks have drafted or otherwise acquired have made Bordeleau much less prominent in San Jose’s farm system. Bordeleau has had strong stretches in his professional career, but they might not have been enough to secure his place on the Sharks’ NHL roster.

He was a 20-goal scorer in his one full season with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL), and an excellent 2023 preseason earned him an opening-night roster spot with the Sharks. But he was sent back to the minors after recording one goal and one assist in just six games. After posting 11 goals and 14 assists in 35 AHL games, he rejoined the Sharks in March 2024 and spent the rest of the season there, turning in a much better performance and finally looking like an NHL contributor. He was a valuable addition to the power play, demonstrated an ability to impact the game around the crease, and improved his defense somewhat as well. He needed to end his season on a good note for the sake of his future in the NHL, and he did.

But in the time since then, a lot has happened concerning San Jose’s young forwards. Will Smith has signed his entry-level contract, and the Sharks drafted and signed Macklin Celebrini while also trading for Ty Dellandrea. Quentin Musty and David Edstrom aren’t on the NHL roster yet, but they’ll deserve looks soon enough. Add in the established William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund, fill out the rest of the forward lineup with veterans, and Bordeleau’s place…